[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 26 (Thursday, February 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

                             [[Page E307]]

                     THE POLICEMAN'S BILL OF RIGHTS

                                 ______


                           HON. JIM LIGHTFOOT

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 1995
  Mr. LIGHTFOOT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer an important piece of 
legislation, the policeman's bill of rights. It is fitting to offer a 
legislation at this time when the House is focused on the issue of 
crime control. If we are to successfully combat crime, there is no 
greater resource than the men and women who put their lives on the line 
everyday to protect their communities. I'm talking, of course, about 
our law enforcement officers. We owe it to them to give them every 
resource necessary to do their jobs well and with a certain level of 
security. That is the purpose of this bill.
  This legislation guarantees basic due process rights to law 
enforcement officers who are charged with administrative disciplinary 
infractions. I want to stress this legislation does not apply to 
criminal matters. I also want to stress that the rights under this 
measure apply to all law enforcement officers. Furthermore, this 
measure does not apply to emergency situations where the police officer 
is suspected of committing a crime or where that officer is a threat to 
others.
  But police officers should have the right to be informed of the 
charges against him or her, to respond to those charges, and to be 
represented by a lawyer. These are fundamental rights, and I think this 
legislation is the least we can give to those who risk their lives for 
us and I urge Members to support this legislation. Also, I would like 
to express my thanks to my colleague, Bart Stupak of Michigan for his 
work on this issue. I hope all Members will give this measure their 
support.


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